Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds Utd Match Thread
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Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United
Tuesday 26th August@20:00 | Hillsborough
Leeds United will be eager to put Saturday's performance from the Emirates firmly behind them as they prepare for a crucial local derby against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough in the first round of the EFL Cup.
For Sheffield Wednesday, the upcoming fixture presents a mixed bag of emotions. Manager Henrik Pedersen will have been pleased with the spirit shown by his team to come from behind in a 2-2 draw with newly promoted Wrexham at the weekend, securing their first point of the league season.
That solitary point leaves Wednesday languishing in 21st place, level with Queens Park Rangers in the relegation zone, though still marginally ahead of city rivals Sheffield United. Adding to the pre-match concerns for Owls fans is their dire home record; Hillsborough has witnessed only one victory in their last 11 matches, with six defeats suffered in their most recent eight clashes in front of their own supporters.
The injury list for Wednesday is significant, potentially forcing Pedersen into several changes. Bruno Fernandes, who started behind strikers Charlie McNeill and Ike Ugbo in the previous round, is sidelined, with Sean Fusire a strong contender to take his place in the starting XI. In the heart of midfield, Nathaniel Chalobah is out until mid-September with a hamstring injury, meaning Olaf Kobacki, Rio Shipston, and Jarvis Thornton are all vying for minutes. Centre-back Di'Shon Bernard will miss the clash with a knee injury.
Daniel Farke, meanwhile, faces his own selection headaches, and opportunities to integrate new talent. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is unlikely to feature as he continues to build fitness, which could see Lukas Nmecha step in for Joel Piroe up top. Ethan Ampadu and AO Tanaka are both dealing with respective MCL knee injuries, opening the door for Sean Longstaff, Ilea Gruev, and Sam Chambers to pick up significant minutes in the centre of the park.
Defensively, Leeds could unveil a new-look backline, with recent signings and centre-back pairing Sebastiaan Bornauw and Jaka Bijol both in line to start, flanked by Darl Darlow between the sticks. New signing Noah Okafor could make his Leeds Utd debut on the left wing, allowing Wilfred Gnonto to battle it out with Dan James on the right flank.
Tuesday 26th August@20:00 | Hillsborough
Leeds United will be eager to put Saturday's performance from the Emirates firmly behind them as they prepare for a crucial local derby against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough in the first round of the EFL Cup.
For Sheffield Wednesday, the upcoming fixture presents a mixed bag of emotions. Manager Henrik Pedersen will have been pleased with the spirit shown by his team to come from behind in a 2-2 draw with newly promoted Wrexham at the weekend, securing their first point of the league season.
That solitary point leaves Wednesday languishing in 21st place, level with Queens Park Rangers in the relegation zone, though still marginally ahead of city rivals Sheffield United. Adding to the pre-match concerns for Owls fans is their dire home record; Hillsborough has witnessed only one victory in their last 11 matches, with six defeats suffered in their most recent eight clashes in front of their own supporters.
The injury list for Wednesday is significant, potentially forcing Pedersen into several changes. Bruno Fernandes, who started behind strikers Charlie McNeill and Ike Ugbo in the previous round, is sidelined, with Sean Fusire a strong contender to take his place in the starting XI. In the heart of midfield, Nathaniel Chalobah is out until mid-September with a hamstring injury, meaning Olaf Kobacki, Rio Shipston, and Jarvis Thornton are all vying for minutes. Centre-back Di'Shon Bernard will miss the clash with a knee injury.
Daniel Farke, meanwhile, faces his own selection headaches, and opportunities to integrate new talent. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is unlikely to feature as he continues to build fitness, which could see Lukas Nmecha step in for Joel Piroe up top. Ethan Ampadu and AO Tanaka are both dealing with respective MCL knee injuries, opening the door for Sean Longstaff, Ilea Gruev, and Sam Chambers to pick up significant minutes in the centre of the park.
Defensively, Leeds could unveil a new-look backline, with recent signings and centre-back pairing Sebastiaan Bornauw and Jaka Bijol both in line to start, flanked by Darl Darlow between the sticks. New signing Noah Okafor could make his Leeds Utd debut on the left wing, allowing Wilfred Gnonto to battle it out with Dan James on the right flank.